Indies Introduce

Middle Grade

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  Stand Up, Yumi Chung!, Jessica Kim
  Kokila, 9780525554974, March 17, 2020 (Middle Grade)
  

  “Yumi Chung has a dream of being a standup comedian, but her parents aren't on board. Suddenly, Yumi finds herself in a situation to attend a summer camp with her all- time favorite comedian, except everyone thinks Yumi is someone else. This book is hilarious, heartbreaking, and heartwarming all at once. And in the end, you absolutely will be standing up and cheering for Yumi Chung!"

  Sarah True, Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Cincinnati, OH)
  
  

  “One of the best middle grade books I have read all year! I wish I this was around when I was growing up!”

  Robyn Broderick, The Reading Bug (San Carlos, CA)
  

   

  “Yumi Chung juggles her responsibilities to her parents (helping with her father's struggling restaurant, maintaining her grades for a school scholarship) with her love of stand-up comedy. When the opportunity to learn from her favorite comedian comes up through a case a mistaken identity, Yumi goes for it, lying to her family in the process. She realizes that her family understands her more than she thinks and there is more than one way to achieve her dreams. Yumi is a smart and sassy heroine, and Stand Up, Yumi Chung! is a poignant and charming story that appeals to the dreamer in all of us.”

  -Jackie Jou, Mysterious Galaxy Books (San Diego, CA)

   

  “Yumi Chung would do anything to be on SNL, but her parents just want her to live up to her genius sister’s example. Forced to spend her vacation at hagwon, studying day and night, Yumi thinks her summer is a bust. Until, that is, she stumbles upon a comedy camp, conveniently missing one Asian camper. When everyone assumes Yumi is that no-show kid, she can’t bring herself to correct them. As she juggles hagwon, comedy, her parents’ failing restaurant, and her sister (who has surprises of her own), Yumi isn’t sure she can keep track of the lies. But how can she give up her dream? This book made me cry, cheer, and laugh out loud. Stand up, Yumi Chung—you’re a star!”

  Bethany Strout, Tattered Cover Bookstore (Denver, CO)